Sumatra / The Auburn Studio

Architects: The Auburn Studio
Area: 325 m² (3500 ft²)
Year: 2023
Photography: Yash R Jain
Manufacturers: Saint-Gobain, IPS, Jaquar
Lead Architects: Sushmitha Ramesh
Landscape Architect: Third Eye Landscape
Program / Use / Building Function: Wedding Venue, Homestay
City: Bengaluru
Country: India

Sumatra Wedding Venue, a residential project by The Auburn Studio in Bengaluru, Karnataka, transforms a former nursery into a tropical modernist wedding venue. Completed in 2023, this design by Sushmitha Ramesh harmonizes architecture with nature, inspired by Geoffrey Bawa. The villa features two identical suites, a central water feature, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, emphasizing sustainable practices and local craftsmanship.

In the post-COVID era, outdoor intimate weddings have become increasingly popular. Our clients sought to transform their family property, previously a nursery, into a stunning outdoor wedding venue. Inspired by Geoffrey Bawa’s tropical modernism, we aimed to create a unique and enchanting space. The design included two villas serving as suites, blending seamlessly with the event space.

Our design concept fuses the lush tropical landscape with modern architecture’s elegance. Drawing from Bawa’s philosophy of harmonizing architecture with nature, we created a serene, romantic, and sophisticated wedding venue. Key design elements include clean lines, natural materials, and a neutral color palette, enhancing tranquility and sophistication. Sustainable construction methods and materials were used, maximizing natural light and ventilation to connect with the tropical environment.

The 100’x100′ site was optimized for the immediate project, with room for future expansions. Landscaping acts as a natural partition, shielding the villas from the urban environment and immersing guests in lush native plants, trees, and water bodies.

The villas’ symmetrical design features two identical structures, each with two bedrooms, a spacious living area, a modern kitchen, and a water feature. This U-shaped building has a linear water body at its center, reflecting the surrounding greenery. The spatial configuration provides an immersive and tranquil experience for residents and guests.

Visitors are greeted by stepping stones over the water body, leading to a spacious and airy living and dining area. The open-plan design fosters connectivity and relaxation. The two bedrooms flank the living room, each offering a unique experience:

Master Suite: A luxurious sanctuary with an open-concept washroom, ample storage, a dressing table, and a cozy reading nook.
Second Bedroom: A cozy space with a washroom overlooking a skylit green area.

Large sliding glass doors and windows connect interior spaces to the verdant outdoors, creating a continuous connection with nature.

The material palette celebrates local materials and craftsmanship, incorporating regionally sourced IPS for floors and walls, locally available rubble for accent walls, and bamboo-thatch ceilings. Natural furnishings made of rattan and cane enhance the tropical elegance and support local artisans.

The standout feature is the thatch ceiling, adorned with wooden rafters and bamboo mats, capturing the essence of a Balinese villa and transporting visitors to a world of tropical luxury and serenity.

This project is a testament to sustainable practices and local craftsmanship, honoring tropical modernism principles and preserving regional heritage and culture. It offers residents and guests an unparalleled experience of luxury and authenticity, embodying harmony, beauty, and commitment to the region’s essence.